AOA welcomes return of VAT free shopping for international visitors

Commenting on the fiscal statement, Karen Dee, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association (AOA) said: “We are pleased that the government has listened and reintroduced VAT free shopping for international visitors. The imposition of VAT placed our airports at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to our European neighbours and its reintroduction will provide a real boost to our aviation, travel, and tourism industry as we continue to rebuild from the impacts of the pandemic.  The government must now go further and act on arrivals duty free in the upcoming budget.

“The renewed focus on infrastructure projects, creation of investment zones and broader fiscal measures are welcome and must be used to support the recovery of UK airports and place our aviation industry back at the heart of the UK economy.”